By Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
Nasarawa State’s Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment, Solid Minerals, and Mining, Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo, has expressed serious concerns regarding the reintroduction of contaminated wastewater from mining operations back into the community’s water supply by Matrix Mining Company.
This alarming revelation was made during a community sensitization operation focused on illegal mining and the involvement of minors in mining activities at Wamba Local Government Area on Wednesday.
The growing issue of land degradation and the unlawful employment of minors in mining has ignited national discussions about the environmental threats posed to future generations.
However, Dr. Elayo, during the community sensitization on such practices, stressed that, despite these pressing concerns remaining inadequately addressed by the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals, the Matrix Mining Company has continued to pump contaminated processing water into community water sources, neglecting the severe health risks and detrimental effects on Local livelihoods.
Following her findings on the ground, Dr. Elayo’s team confirmed the authenticity of the reports concerning the hazardous conditions.
During her discussions with staff from Matrix Mining, represented by Permanent Secretary Barrister Y.Y. Edde, she condemned the company’s negligence and advised Local community members to purify any water sourced from affected areas.
The Honourable Commissioner has mandated Matrix Mining to submit all relevant mining documents by next Tuesday or face legal repercussions.
Additionally, the Commissioner’s representatives, including SA to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Nurrudeen Idde, visited the Marhai and Masange communities in Wamba to engage with artisanal miners, encouraging them to form and register as a cooperative for better management of their activities
